Railing Height

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1

Originally Posted By: bsmith
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What would be the proper height for a railing on an interior balcony ? Is it 34" or 36"? Thanks.

–
Bill Smith


www.SmithHomeInspection.com


“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” A. Einstien

2

Originally Posted By: Jay Moge
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i beleive 34’’, but i’ve always gone with what is comfortable and don’t acutaly measure unless it “feels” wrong. icon_cool.gif

3

Originally Posted By: lkage
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36" around here.

–
“I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him.”


Galileo Galilei

4

Originally Posted By: dandersen
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Handrails are required if there are two or more risers in the stair system. Railing height minimum is 34 in. to 38 in. Grips’ must be 1 1/4 inch to 2 5/8 inch circular cross section. The maximum handrail projection into the stairway is 4 1/2 inches. Handrail ends shall return to wall or newel post. [IRC 315.1]


Guardrails are required for any walkout in excess of 30 in. above the floor/grade. Minimum height for guardrail is 36 in. (34 in. stair handrail). Maximum opening size and balusters less than 4 in. (6 in. opening at tread/risers/rail triangle). [IRC 316.2]

Is this new construction?

If not, I evaluate family dynamics and call this out to the client. I do not recommend reengineering stairs systems, however tall people and short people are at risk.

5

Originally Posted By: bsmith
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Thanks to you all.


The house is an older home (1971) with a small (48") balcony of the stairway that overlooks the living room below. The rail was 34 1/2" high.

--
Bill Smith
www.SmithHomeInspection.com
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." A. Einstien

6

Originally Posted By: mboyett
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Guardrails.PDF )

–
Mike Boyett


Capital City Inspections


Austin, Tx


www.capcityinspections.com

7

Originally Posted By: dandersen
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Bill,


Some of those older homes really get way out there outside the code (yours sounds pretty good). After all these years I would never recommend remanufacturing a stair system. If the client has a problem with it, they should go look for another house. Just my opinion.

8

Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
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If anyone is keeping track the 2003 IRC on handrails R311.5.6


R316. covers insulation.

--
"not just an inspection, but an education"

9

Originally Posted By: ckratzer
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Jae


Maybe we like insulated hand rails ![icon_twisted.gif](upload://xjO326gspdTNE5QS3UTl0a0Rtvy.gif) ![icon_twisted.gif](upload://xjO326gspdTNE5QS3UTl0a0Rtvy.gif)

10

Originally Posted By: mcyr
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icon_smile.gif icon_smile.gif


Bill;

Railings as you asked, I am assuming that you are talking about guard rails. Those that are on a level surface. Residential requires at least 36" and Commercial has to be 42" in height.
Wall rails are allowable from 34" to 38" Commercial or Residential.

As David explained, any surface above grade 30" or more shall require a railing and three risers or more shall require a hand rail.


Correct me if I am wrong, but I also believe if the stairs are 4' or wider, two handrails are required.
Handrail diameter shall be no more than 2" in diameter and will be at least 2 1/2"s from the wall to the centerline of the rail.

Hope this helps.

Marcel